WASHINGTON — Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a new order Wednesday evening, requiring that all food retailers enforce social distancing protocols, and declared that outdoor markets are no longer essential businesses. All farmers' markets, including the Fish Market at the Wharf, that wish to operate must obtain a waiver.
In order to apply for a waiver, "a market manager must submit a plan to the District government at dcfoodpolicy@dc.gov to outline how they will operate and enforce social distancing protocols, and that plan must be approved."
According to Bowser, the order's safety and social distance protocols apply to all retail food sellers, which include grocery stores, supermarkets, food halls, food banks, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of food. The order does not apply to restaurants preparing food for take-out and delivery, and schools/senior citizens preparing free food for the public.
In order to apply for a waiver, "a market manager must submit a plan to the District government at dcfoodpolicy@dc.gov to outline how they will operate and enforce social distancing protocols, and that plan must be approved."
According to Bowser, the order's safety and social distance protocols apply to all retail food sellers, which include grocery stores, supermarkets, food halls, food banks, convenience stores, and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of food. The order does not apply to restaurants preparing food for take-out and delivery, and schools/senior citizens preparing free food for the public.
DC farmers markets no longer essential business, need waiver to operate
A new order says all food retailers must enforce social distancing. Outdoor markets no longer qualify as "essential business" and need waivers to run.
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